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The switch-on ceremony for this year’s Chiswick Christmas lights will be on Thursday 25 November 2004, at 6.30pm by the junction of Devonshire Road and Chiswick High Road.

The lights, which will run along Chiswick High Road (Acton Lane to Chiswick Lane) and Turnham Green Terrace, will bring a greater Christmas atmosphere to Chiswick this year.

There was a suggestion at a recent Council committee meeting that a local celebrity should be approached to turn on the lights. The names of Imogen Stubbs and Fenella Fielding were mentioned but as yet there has been no announcement on who will be officially switching on the lights. Last year Sister Jennifer of St. Mary's Convent on Burlington Lane ably did the honours (pictured right).

The costs of the lights have been underwritten by the Chiswick Business Association and the Chiswick Area Committee. An ongoing campaign to raise funds for more lights in coming years is also underway.

Local businesses and residents can make donations by paying directly into the Chiswick Lights account (22512012, sort code 60-05-30) at the NatWest Bank on Chiswick High Road, or by making donations through the business association’s committee members.

Paul Lynch, chair of the local area committee, said: "Christmas is a time of goodwill and good cheer, and the lights will bring a festive atmosphere to the High Road. Last year’s ceremony was enjoyed by lots of children and their parents and everyone said that it was in the spirit of Christmas, when we wish peace and goodwill to all mankind."

Chiswick went for many years without lights but following complaints by local residents on the ChiswickW4.com discussion forum the Council and the local business community got together to light up the local shopping streets..